I made this thread somewhere else but got no replies so i'm moving it to try and get some help, Thanks!

Hey guys I've been looking to upgrade my current r52's headlights to the more modern BMW halo/led headlights and i found a pair that seem like they would do the job.


I am just assuming that review is from someone who is partially clueless.

So basically what i am asking is, has anyone here had experience with "Spyder"
and what did you think of the headlights?

Or do you recommend a different assembly?

 

The reviewer sounded like they knew what they were talking about....pretty damming.
So far, most every aftermarket headlight review/hid conversion has been pretty similar...complete rubbish.
I do lots of night driving, both in a company vehicle, and in my mini....and it is almost easy to spot aftermarket headlights....they come up from behind looking like high beams from the glare, and as the driver passes you, you see they have lots of light for about 30 feet, then NONE....the drivers tend to slow down, and drive next to you so they can see.....
Simply put, the optics are terrible...cheap.
My suggestion....
If you have the xenon's from the gen1 facelift (the only xenons on the cabrio), then add an angel eye kit if you must have that look.....
once you have used the factory facelift gen1 xenons, you are spoiled!!
the aftermarket xenon lamp conversions for the halogen units are similarly bad with glare...the bulbs in in the wrong spot for xenon bulbs....
The complete lens kits with bulbs are LOW BEAM ONLY....another issue...along with the above issues...
With optics (lens's and lighting), you kinda get exactly what you payfor. OEM's are $$ for a reason...

 

Thankyou for the info! and yes i have the xenon headlights but i am kind of craving the angle eye look so do you know where i could get them?

The kit you mentioned i mean?

Edit: Not necessarily craving but i am interested in my options as for lighting goes.

 

Other options are to just get some CCFL rings and make your own. (thats what angel eyes are)

Or go this route:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...eadlights.html

 

The headlights are opened up using the "joey Mod" directions, than any one of a bunch of different aftermarket halo kits is installed, then sealed back up.
The thread quoted above is more of a diy for a different style...but heck if you like the look!

 

I just looked at the joey mod looks pretty simple, my weak heart might not be able to handle sticking my headlights in the oven :O but if it has to be done haha and could you possibly provide a link of a aftermarket halo kit ? please

I cannot find one that seems like it would work

 

these are cheap enough if you would just like to try
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2005-MINI-COOPER-LED-HALO-PROJECTOR-HEADLIGHTS-BLACK-PAIR-/380558581204?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACooper&hash=item589b0f1dd4&vxp=mtr

 

I've had my lights apart a few times, always used a heat gun instead of the oven method, super easy, once you've had one apart and see the simplicity of how the go together, it will take all the stress out of it.

Most difficult part of doing your own, other than the route I went, is to find someone with the right sized rings. This is one of the reasons I did what I did.

 

I think i'm going to go ahead and attack the joeys mod then! with your suggestion of the heat gun, because i have one from when i attempted some vinyl applications.

I am most likely going to get this kit
http://www.automotivelightstore.com/...erHaloKit.aspx

Not sure yet what ####K would match the factory xenon's i am assuming the lowest option but maybe it wouldn't look to bad if i had the darkish blue halos mixed with the white xenon

 

OEM is 4500k, but different mfg's colors vary slightly, 6k should be a nice middle ground, 8k are just slightly blue'r but 10k is very blue.

Go through the Joey mod how-to you should be just fine.